Diplomasi Olahraga Indonesia Melalui Naturalisasi Pemain Sepak Bola Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how the 2021–2025 naturalization policy for players on the Indonesian National Football Team is understood and implemented as Indonesia’s sports diplomacy. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach and uses data collection techniques in the form of a literature review based on official documents, regulations, academic literature, and media reports. The analysis is conducted using Stuart Murray’s framework of modern sports diplomacy, particularly the concepts of “sport diplomacy as an expression of a nation’s culture” and “sport envoys.” The results indicate that the naturalization policy not only serves to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the Indonesian National Team but also functions as a means of representing Indonesia’s pluralistic, open, and adaptive national identity in response to global soccer developments. Furthermore, naturalized players serve as informal representatives of Indonesia, helping to build a positive image and increase international attention toward Indonesia through soccer. Thus, naturalization can be understood as a practice of sports diplomacy that leverages soccer to represent national identity and strengthen Indonesia’s engagement in the international football arena. Keywords: naturalization, sports diplomacy, football, Indonesia.